Opening Up Acts
Overview
John-Michael Wong provides valuable insight on the book of Acts, pointing out the contributions of individuals and community in the growth of the Church. This easy-to-read volume is solidly grounded in Scripture and offers explanation of the text, as well as application. Wong writes in an uplifting and inviting style that will help the general reader, as well as pastors.
Top Highlights
“God intended it to authenticate the Word preached by Paul and Barnabas, but the Lystrans’ worldview was unable to help them correctly interpret the visible evidence. No amount of evidence alone will persuade a person to trust in Christ; God must work in the heart and remove the blinders, so that he or she can see the truth for what it is (see 2 Cor. 4:3–4).” (Pages 100–101)
“This is the last reference to using lots in the Bible. It was a special tool that God used to make his selection. In the church today, we have the Holy Spirit as our guide, and our decisions need to be made with reliance upon his wisdom.” (Page 23)
“Loving the church is impossible without first loving the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the redemption of the church.” (Page 132)
“Unbelief is not an intellectual, head issue, but a moral, heart issue.” (Page 44)
“There were two roads that led to Gaza, one that went through the new city, and one that passed through the old city’s desert ruins. Gaza had been destroyed in 96 bc, and rebuilt in 57 bc in a new location closer to the Mediterranean Sea. Philip was told specifically to go through the deserted path (v. 26). This was an odd command that would have interrupted his fruitful gospel ministry to multitudes in Samaria during a time of tremendous growth. But Philip obeyed by faith, not by sight (see Heb. 11:1).” (Page 68)
Opening Up Acts is a very useful and user friendly tool for studying the book of Acts. It is appropriate for both individual study and for small groups. I highly recommend this study.
—Dr. Gregory Harris, professor, The Master’s Seminary
- Title: Opening Up Acts
- Author: John-Michael Wong
- Publisher: Day One Publications
- Publication Date: 2010
- Pages: 224
